Respect the Dolomites – Sustainability
We love and live our mountains
Our region and our environment are close to our hearts, which is why we have been very conscious of the issue of regionality for several years now. We are well aware that sustainable management is important for all of us and for our future. Our ambition is therefore no longer to make everything bigger and better, but to really change our entire range of offers and systems so that we are not a burden on our environment. That is our goal and that is what we are working towards. So that our children can also experience the beauty of this world.
Already today, we have invested quite a bit in sustainability: We are a partner of the Climate Neutrality Alliance and so we also aim for carbon-neutral operations.
Regionality and local supply chains
Most of our meat and dairy needs are produced by Gardena and South Tyrolean farmers, benefiting deep synergy with the local area and greater traceability and quality of products served. During the summer season, our organic garden is able to cover much of the need for vegetables used in the kitchen, reducing dependence on outside suppliers and decreasing our burden on the environment.
At the Hotel Interski we also provide for the self-production of beer that we serve to our guests. This choice allows us to reduce dependence on outside suppliers, greenhouse gas emissions associated with distribution, and the production of waste from glass packaging.
We have significantly reduced as of 2018 the paper materials distributed in the rooms. Here we provide QR codes for digital communication of stay-related information and real-time updates.
Most of the artisans and workers employed in the hotel’s construction work conduct their business within a few kilometers of our facility, an important factor in ensuring a local and quality workforce.
Electrical efficiency and sustainability
Cutting energy waste is the priority point on which we have acted since 1997 through the installation of home automation sensors in our hotel rooms. These devices block the delivery of thermal energy the moment the opening of doors and windows is detected, avoiding unnecessary energy waste. Additional motion and room access sensors reduce wasted electricity for lighting. Heat distribution is adjustable for each room.
The thermal energy used is produced through two natural gas condensing boilers characterised by high energy efficiency, while the low-temperature heat made available by the operation of refrigeration, ventilation, and brewing equipment is recovered.
In 2021, we installed a photovoltaic system, later upgraded to a nominal power of 87 kWp. Through this system, we are able to meet about 40% of our electricity consumption by producing zero-carbon local energy. The energy we take from the power grid is certified 100% Green Energy, produced entirely from South Tyrol’s hydroelectric power plants.
We support electric mobility in Val Gardena through 12 electric car charging stations (11 kW each) for guests and an electric shuttle bus. E-bike enthusiasts have access to a dedicated charging area in the lower rooms of the facility.
Wise use of water
In 1997, we installed an underground tank with a capacity of 5,000 litres for storing rainwater, used for irrigation of the green areas on our property. The hotel rooms are equipped with water-saving devices, showerheads and toilet flush cisterns.
The modern purification system for our swimming pool greatly reduces the use of disinfectants such as chlorine, while ensuring excellent water healthiness, thus reducing the frequency of complete drains.
The water we serve guests comes from the springs in Val Gardena — the same high-quality water resource used for our brewery. Since 2022 we have been closely monitoring our water consumption by participating in metering campaigns promoted by Dolomites Val Gardena.
Waste reduction
The annual reporting of solid waste production, measures taken and planned actions is outlined in the Waste Management Plan, a document that allows us to draw the picture of our organisation in reference to this issue. In the common areas of the facility, guests have the opportunity to sort their waste separately.
About 20% of glass packaging is intended for reuse through a returnable system. Consumer goods are delivered inside rigid plastic crates that are returned and reused by the supplier, greatly reducing the amount of packaging. Since 2016, we have been providing bottled natural and sparkling water at our facility, eliminating plastic bottles from the supply chain entirely.
Reduction of CO₂ emissions
The measures implemented have resulted in a 23% cut in greenhouse gas emissions from 2019 to date. Through the Mobilcard, we provide guests with 7 days of free access to all local public transportation. The Turn-to-Zero platform gives us the opportunity to offset greenhouse gas emissions — in 2022, all generated emissions (220 tonnes of CO₂e) were offset through two carbon offsetting projects.
Communication in sustainability matters
Since 2022, we have participated in consumption data measurement and monitoring campaigns promoted by the local tourism company. We believe that raising awareness and communicating our sustainability achievements is very important to stimulate a new collective consciousness towards environmental protection.
In accordance with the requirements of our GSTC Certification (Global Sustainable Tourism Council), issued by the accredited body Vireo Srl, we publish below our sustainability documents:
